CIAS 2014: Infiniti/Nissan

Sleek concepts challenge design conventions

The Q30, shown here in concept form, could be among the models Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz will manufacture in its Mexico plant for the North American market.

Handout

Infiniti Q30 Concept

Sharing key Infiniti design cues with the new 2014 Infiniti Q50 and various Infiniti concept vehicles, the Q30 Concept is the next step in Infiniti’s strategy to expand into new premium segments.

Infiniti designers were given the freedom to explore seductive alternatives to traditional premium automobile brands, resulting in a very modern design with a sleek silhouette. The shape of the Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges convention – fusing the sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatchback and the higher stance and visual presence of a crossover. It features a dramatic exterior shape, particularly the body sides, which include bold sections, deep undercuts and intersecting lines.

2015 Nissan Micra

2015 Nissan MicraHandout /
Nissan

After making its national debut in Montreal last month, Ontario residents can get their first look at the all-new 2015 Nissan Micra — a vehicle that will be available in Canada but not in the United States. In addition to the rarity of a high-volume car being available exclusively in the “northern half” of North America, Nissan also claims that the Micra will mark a new era of unbeatable value for Canadians when it arrives this spring.

Combining Japanese quality with European styling and heritage, the Micra promises to provide Canadians with more fun, more attention to detail and more value than they’ve ever expected in a small car. With great visibility, impressive agility and excellent turning radius, Micra is designed for Canadian drivers and will offer a small and fuel efficient, yet spacious and fun, choice at a very competitive price.

The Micra S, SV and top-of-the-line SR will be available with either a 5-speed manual transmission, or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Each model is equipped with an advanced 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC. With no plans for the United States, Micra will truly be a Canadian car and has been extensively tested and perfected for the Canadian driver with features like heated outside mirrors, rear heater ducts (to keep backseat toes warm), 60/40 split rear seats and either 15- or 16-inch wheels — sizes that are widely available as snow tires.

Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept

Nissan Sentra NISMO ConceptHandout /
Nissan

As Nissan expands its NISMO line of factory performance models, it is revisiting the small car performance genre and teasing the future with the dramatic Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept. Built on the foundation of the latest generation Nissan Sentra, the Sentra NISMO Concept injects increased performance and design tuner elements into the mix.

The Sentra NISMO Concept differentiates itself from a production 2014 Sentra with enhanced aerodynamic performance, NISMO-tuned suspension, steering and transmission and engaging motorsports-style cockpit. Under the hood, the concept adapts a 1.8-litre direct injection turbocharged engine producing more than 240 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The look of the Sentra NISMO Concept, like previous Nissan performance sedans, is somewhat understated – more sophisticated and confident than “in-your-face” boy racer. Exterior modifications start with a deep front fascia with lower LED lights and wide lower grille that match the stock Sentra’s standard LED daytime running rights and upper grille. The aerodynamic look continues with a wide lower front spoiler and along the sides of the vehicle with the oversized fender flares and integrated side sills flowing into a deep-skirted rear fascia accentuated by large dual exhaust tips. A custom rear spoiler and centre rear fog lamp, which echoes the design of the 370Z’s rear diffuser, complete the look.

Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

Nissan Sport Sedan ConceptHandout /
Nissan

The Sport Sedan Concept makes its way north after being named the Detroit Auto Show’s Best Concept by AutoWeek. A design study with a particular emphasis on next-gen design and sporty style, the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept was created to embody the essence of a true sports sedan – that rare execution of four-door sedan with the aura of a real sports car. It previews a future production vehicle intended for owners with a passion for cutting-edge design and driving dynamics.

With any sports car, performance is critical to the driving experience. The front-wheel drive Sport Sedan Concept is powered by a 300-plus horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine backed by a sport-tuned Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and features an innovative suspension layout with performance dampers.

The exterior of the Sport Sedan Concept is marked by low, wide proportions, with a lowered hoodline and reduced ground clearance compared to traditional sedans — elements that would be right at home in a sports car. The “V-Motion” movement of the front end flows from the dramatic chromed grille up through the hood. The front of the Sport Sedan Concept also incorporates the large LED boomerang headlights, a deeply scooped front fascia and wide, sloped windshield.